Hayden Meikle: Season preview, part one

You could waste hours trawling the internet for Premier League season previews, or you could simply use my guide to the months ahead.

I'm not saying go out and put the house on my predictions - sports forecasting is a fickle pastime - but the fact I HAVEN'T tipped Liverpool to win the title indicates I've actually given this some thought.

Here's the first half of my season preview, broken down into Contenders and Wannabes. A vastly shorter part two, featuring the Dark Horses and the No Chances, will follow this weekend.

The Contenders

CHELSEA

Gaffer: Former AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti replaces the Grant/Scolari/Hiddink combination.

Heart: Most clubs would kill - and Man City nearly broke the bank - to have a central defender like John Terry. He bleeds Chelsea blue and never takes a backward step.

Soul: Some people hate Frank Lampard. I don't - I just mildly dislike him. But not even a blinkered Liverpudlian like myself can deny his class. It might also interest you to know my aunt lived with Frank and was the nanny to his children a couple of years ago. Peter Crouch came to visit and pushed her in a swimming pool. True story.

Fancy feet: Didier Drogba provides the muscle up front but Nicolas Anelka is the deadly assassin. Has finally found a home after ploughing through 17 clubs.

Last year: Third (83 points).

This year: Talent to burn and the Cech-Terry-Lampard-Drogba spine is unmatched. Another title for the Abramovich Blues.

LIVERPOOL

Gaffer: Rafa Benitez, the slightly nutty Spaniard.

Heart: Stevie G, Stevie G, Stevie G. He runs, he tackles, he scores, he throws a good upperc.......ehhhm, he's just brilliant. He must stay fit and fire if Liverpool are to win.

Soul: Jamie Carragher is the other key local lad. Bleeds Liverpool red, dies for the cause etc etc.

Fancy feet: Fernando Torres is the deadliest striker in the Premiership. Simple as that. The pride of Spain has become the toast of Anfield.

Last year: Second (86). Dammit.

This year: My heart longs to say champions. But I just fear there isn't the depth to match Chelsea.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Gaffer: Sir Alex Ferguson, 23 long years and counting.

Heart: The lads up front get the kudos but a massive key to United's success last year was the central defence, led by the unbelievably consistent two-headed monster known as Ferdinand and Vidic.

Soul: Wayne Rooney is a Scouser with a bulldog face and obscene ability. It's his team now the Golden Boy has left, and he needs to carry Ferg's men.

Fancy feet: He's gone to Real Madrid. There won't be anything fancy about United this season.

Last year: They won it (90). Again.

This year: Third. How can they possibly replace Ronaldo's goals?

MANCHESTER CITY

Gaffer: Mark "Sparky" Hughes.

Heart: Owned by the Bank of Abu Dhabi.

Soul: Owned by the Bank of Abu Dhabi.

Fancy feet: Owned by the Bank of Abu Dhabi.

Last year: Rich. And 10th (50).

This year: Richer, but you can't just buy a cohesive team. Fourth, but don't be too shocked if they are challenging for third.

ARSENAL

Gaffer: M'sieur Arsene Wenger.

Heart: Cesc Fabregas might win something if he went to Barcelona. But if he stays at the Emirates, it is his team.

Soul: Robin van Persie, when he is fit, can be nearly as influential as his Spanish team-mate.

Fancy feet: Remember the name Jack Wilshere. Just 17, the attacking midfielder is being called the next Wayne Rooney.

Last year: A distant fourth (72).

This year: Down to fifth. Didn't someone once say you can't win anything with kids?

 

The Wannabes

ASTON VILLA

Gaffer: Martin O'Neill - perhaps to succeed Ferg at Old Trafford in a couple of years?

Heart: It would have been Gareth Barry but he chose the filthy lucre in blue Manchester. Look for Ashley Young to have a big season.

Soul: James Milner hasn't quite delivered on his potential but he's still only 23, he's tenacious and he's smart.

Fancy feet: Gabriel Agbonlahor scored a seven-minute hat trick on opening day last season, getting goals with his head, his right foot and his left foot. That's impressive.

Last year: A respectable sixth (62).

This year: A respectable sixth.

EVERTON

Gaffer: Moyesy.

Heart: Grudgingly, I'll admit Joleon Lescott is a fantastic defender.

Soul: Grudgingly, I'll admit Phil Neville gives it everything.

Fancy feet: Grudgingly, I'll admit Tim Cahill is a bit special.

Last year: Fifth (63).

This year: I want to say relegated. But I'll go with seventh.

TOTTENHAM

Gaffer: 'Appy 'Arry Redknapp (stole that from the Fiver).

Heart: Robbie Keane never looked happy at Liverpool. His leadership and goals mean a lot to Spurs.

Soul: Jermaine Jenas is something of a forgotten man but at his best, he's a silky, creative midfielder. Who could be playing for Villa by the end of the season.

Fancy feet: Peter Crouch has a good touch for a big ma........er, how about that Aaron Lennon?

Last year: Eighth (51).

This year: Eighth again.

WEST HAM

Gaffer: Gianfranco Zola, the pint-sized former Chelsea wizard.

Heart: Classy central defender Matthew Upson had to leave Arsenal years ago - he was English, you see. He's found a good home at West Ham.

Soul: Like all English keepers, Robert Green is prone to the odd clanger. But he is generally a seriously calming influence at the back.

Fancy feet: Carlton Cole is no Wayne Rooney but he'll pop up in the right place at the right time and score some goals.

Last year: Ninth (51).

This year: Ninth again.